Athlone hosts Emergency Services and Military Expo
A major Emergency Services & Military Expo is being held in Athlone this week.
The event, organised by Out of the Blue Training & Employment Services, takes place on Thursday, September 10, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone.
The event brings together emergency services and military personnel from across Ireland for a day of career guidance, upskilling, professional development, and networking, delivered by leading organisations and experts in the field.
The expo is free to attend and open to anyone considering a life in the emergency services or military, those seeking career progression within service, and serving or retired personnel exploring post-service opportunities.
The expo will feature three dedicated panel discussions, each addressing a distinct stage of the service career journey.
Panels will cover the experience of joining the emergency services and military, the importance of upskilling and professional development during service, and the process of transitioning from service to civilian life. Each panel will bring together experienced voices from across the sector, offering practical insight and real-world perspective to attendees.
The Emergency Services & Military Expo recently brought the Blue Light Awards to fruition in Dublin.
"The Blue Light Awards reminded us all of the extraordinary people who make up our emergency services and Defence Forces. The expo is the next chapter — it is where we roll up our sleeves and give those same people the tools, the connections, and the confidence to take the next step in their careers, whatever that looks like for them.
“We are incredibly proud of what we have built, and this year's event is the strongest programme we have ever delivered,” said Stephen Moore, Founder, Out of the Blue Training & Employment Services.
The expo will also mark the official launch of an exciting new initiative: Frontline Founders Ireland. This new business network has been established specifically for serving and former members of the emergency services and military who run their own businesses.
Built on the values of support and collaboration, Frontline Founders Ireland provides a dedicated community where entrepreneurs from frontline backgrounds can connect, share experience, and grow together.
Frontex, the European Union Agency for Border and Coast Guard, responsible for managing border control at the EU's external borders and combating cross-border crime, will also be represented at the expo.
Frontex offers a range of career pathways for experienced personnel from emergency services and military backgrounds. Salute Mission Critical will also be present on the day, bringing specialist expertise and career opportunities to attendees across the sector.
Upskilling opportunities will be presented by three leading third-level institutions: Atlantic Technological University (ATU), South East Technological University (SETU), and Independent College.
Career coaches will be available throughout the day to assist attendees with competency-based forms and CV preparation — offering one-to-one guidance tailored to the specific needs of service personnel seeking career progression or entering the civilian jobs market.
In addition, financial advice will be available on the day, covering pension planning, career transition, and post-service financial planning.
Fitness and wellbeing advice will also be on offer, recognising that the physical and mental health of service personnel is central to career longevity and a successful transition into civilian life.
For further information visit https://emergencyservicesexpo.ie/